www.cyclingnews.com presents the 58th Vuelta a España, 2003.

Isidro Nozal (ONCE) congratulates Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) at the start
Jorge Ferrio (Paternina) hitches a ride with Jose Enrique Gutierrez (Kelme)
Isidro Nozal, Roberto Heras and Alejandro Valverde toast each other with cava during the stage
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) congratulated by a teammate after the finish

Images by Unipublic

Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) and child
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) waits to go
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) and Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) shake hands at the start
Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) wins the final stage in Madrid, his fifth in this year's Vuelta
Five wins, count 'em
Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) raises his fifth victory bouquet on the podium in Madrid
iBanesto.com won the teams classification
Alejandro Valverde (Kelme) was the best all round rider
Erik Zabel (Telekom) claimed the points jersey in the end
Felix Cardenas (Labarca) was king of the mountains
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) was a happy final winner
The final podium (L to R): Isidro Nozal (2nd), Roberto Heras (1st) and Alejandro Valverde (3rd)

Stage 20 - Saturday, September 27: San Lorenzo de El Escorial - Alto de Abantos, 11.2km ITT

Images by AFP Photo

Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) going full gas in the mountain TT
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) gives it everything at the finish
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) utterly exhausted at the finish
Big smiles for Heras and Bruyneel post stage

Images by Unipublic

Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) pushes himself to finish 9th in the stage
Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) did not have a great day, and lost 2'19 to Heras
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) comes across the line with the new best time
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) checks his time at the finish. It's not good.
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) on the podium after winning the stage and taking the lead

Stage 19 - Friday, September 26: La Vega de Alcobendas - Collado Villalba, 164km

Images by AFP Photo

The peloton rides between La Vega de Alcobendas and Collado Villalba during stage 19
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) checks behind to see the damage
The face of suffering: race leader Isidro Nozal (ONCE) on the final climb
Fillipo Simeoni (Domina Vacanze) was very happy to win stage 19

Images by Unipublic

Isidro Nozal (ONCE) was protected by his ONCE teammates at the start of the stage
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) and teammate Benoit Joachim during the early part of the stage
The early breakaway gained over 7 minutes to the peloton at one stage
Erik Zabel (Telekom) wearing the polka dotted points jersey
The lead peloton on the Alto de Los Leones
Alejandro Valverde leads the Kelme assault
Angel Vicioso (ONCE-Eroski) was a useful man to have in front for Nozal
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) on the attack on the Alto de Navacerrada
Alejandro Valverde leads teammate Oscar Sevilla across the top of the Alto de Navacerrada
Fillipo Simeoni (Domina Vacanze) beats Claus Møller to win stage 19
Fillipo Simeoni (Domina Vacanze) smiles on the podium after his win
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) - the cracks are beginning to show, but he's still the leader

Stage 18 - Thursday, September 25: Las Rozas - Las Rozas, 143.8km

Images by AFP Photo

Isidro Nozal and Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) in the front line during stage 18
The peloton masses on the horizon
Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) rides in the peloton during stage 18
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) in the middle of the pack during stage 18

Images by Unipublic

The breakaways buckle down to work during stage 18
Simone Masciarelli (Vini Caldirola) and Cristian Pepoli (Saeco) try to catch the 16 man break
The peloton early in the stage
Constantino Zaballa (Kelme) follows Karsten Kroon (Rabobank) in pursuit of the break
The ONCE train staying on the rails
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) faces his toughest test in the next two stages to see whether he can unseat Nozal
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) and Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano protected by the ONCE train
David Etxebarria (R, Euskaltel) mounted a fruitless chase of the breakaways along with Schreck, Cerezo and Trenti
Pedro Diaz Lobato (Paternina) solos to victory in stage 18
Pedro Diaz Lobato (Paternina) finally gets his stage win
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) look more like a champion each day

Images by Hernán Alvarez Macías/Cyclingnews.com

Riders line up to sign on before the stage

Stage 17 - Wednesday, September 24: Granada - Cordoba, 188.4km

Images by AFP Photo

Roberto Heras and Manuel Beltran (USPS-Berry Floor) ride in the peloton during stage 17
The pack approaches Cordoba during stage 17
ONCE-Eroski leading the peloton towards Cordoba
David Millar (Cofidis) celebrates as he crosses the line in Cordoba

Images by Unipublic

Michael Barry (USPS-Berry Floor) protects team leader Roberto Heras during stage 17
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) looking slightly more comfortable in the gold jersey
Renato Silva (Milaneza) leads Jorge Ferrio (Paternina), German Nieto (Relax) and Stefano Casagranda (Alessio) in their breakaway
David Millar (Cofidis) used his enormous power to ride away from everyone on the final climb of the day to win the stage in Cordoba
David Millar (Cofidis) salutes from the podium after his victory
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) "I could get used to this"

Stage 16 - Tuesday, September 23: Jaen - Sierra Nevada, 162km

Images by AFP Photo

The peloton cruise along the barren Spanish landscape during stage 16
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) well positioned near the front of the peloton during stage 16
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) and Isidro Nozal (ONCE) together during stage 16
Manuel Beltran (USPS-Berry Floor) checks behind to see how Roberto Heras and Isidro Nozal are faring
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) suffered a lot, again, but he limited his losses to less than a minute to Heras
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) goes on the attack on Sierra Nevada with Piepoli and Cardenas on his wheel
Felix Cardenas (Labarca) punches the air as he wins the stage

Images by Unipublic

The peloton making its way towards Sierra Nevada
Whaddya mean this thing is 30 km long?
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) and Fabian Jeker (Milaneza) concoct a cunning plan
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) checks to see how Cardenas is looking. Cardenas is looking good.
Cardenas, Sevilla and Piepoli battling with each other on Sierra Nevada
Marcos Serrano (ONCE) leads Heras, Rasmussen and Nozal
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) has that look in his eyes...only five more stages after this one
Juan Miguel Mercado (ibanesto) came close to the stage win, but was caught by Cardenas
Felix Cardenas (Labarca) crosses the line in triumph
Sevilla and Valverde finish third and fourth
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) moments after crossing the line

Stage 15 - Sunday, September 21: Valdepeñas - Sierra de la Pandera, 172.1km

Images by AFP Photo

Isidro Nozal (ONCE) prepares for a tough day
ONCE take the third rank in the peloton, led by USPS for much of the day
Roberto Heras (USPS) leads Felix Cardenas (Labarca) on La Pandera. Sevilla and Valverde follow in the distance
Alejandro Valverde (Kelme) sprints past Felix Cardenas (Labarca) to take the stage
Alejandro Valverde (Kelme) wins the stage atop La Pandera
Isidro Nozal and Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano finish the 15th stage, 1'11 behind Heras

Images by Unipublic

Erik Zabel (Telekom) drinks like a fish. But water only before today's stage.
Baby-faced Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) is ever-popular with his fans, both young and old.
US Postal riders lead the charge to bring back the break and soften the legs of ONCE front-runners Nozal and Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano.
Manuél Beltrán (US Postal) receives advice from his team manager Johan Bruyneel.
Bingen Fernández (Cofidis) sports extensive bandaging, but like many cyclists, puts the pain in the back of his mind.
Isidro Nozal (ONCE-Eroski) fought hard and well to defend his lead on the overall classification.
The peloton ride along the Andalucían highway.
Renato Silva (Milaneza) takes drinks from his team car to give to his team-mates on the hottest day of the Vuelta at 32 degrees C.
The lead group's advantage slowly comes down after a US Postal-led peloton reduces the gap to 3'40" by km 122.
The lead quartet cross the city of Jaén at the third intermediate sprint of the day, with Carlos Torrent (Paternina - Costa de Almería) taking maximum points.
As the peloton head into the Jaén, Vicente Belda's Team Kelme sqaud take control, reducing the break's advantage to 50 seconds by km 140.
Isidro Nozal (ONCE-Eroski) kept the race leadership by limiting his losses to his closest rivals.
Alejandro Valverde (Kelme-Costa Blanca) conquers the climb of Sierra de la Pandera, beating Félix Cárdenas (Labarca2-Café Baqué) and Roberto Heras (US Postal) to the line.

Stage 14 - Saturday, September 20: Albacete - Valdepeñas, 167.4km

Images by AFP Photo

Matthew White (USPS-Berry Floor) doing his job for the team
Tom Boonen (Quick.Step-Davitamon) looking for that elusive victory
Riders traverse the mostly flat countryside from Albacete to Valdepeñas before tomorrow's markedly different route finishing atop of Sierra de la Pandera.
David Canada and Pedro Horrillo (Quick.Step) helped the Fassa Bortolo and ONCE chase
Erik Zabel (Telekom) enjoys a snack along the road
The peloton rolls along between Albacete and Valdepeñas during stage 14
Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) smiles with his fourth Vuelta stage win

Images by Unipublic

Benoit Joachim (USPS) drives the break with Lombardi on his wheel
Fabrizio Guidi (Team Bianchi) leads Benoit Joachim (USPS) in the early breakaway
ONCE-Eroski assumes the position
The peloton through the feed zone
Aitor Gonzalez (Fassa Bortolo) gets into the team car at kilometre 91
Aitor Gonzalez (Fassa Bortolo) says goodbye to the Vuelta, claiming to be suffering from health problems
The peloton did break into a couple of echelons at one point, but it came back together
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) gets a bottle from his teammate Jorg Jaksche during the stage
Pedro Diaz Lobato (L, Paternina) and Oscar Laguna (R, Relax) try to stay clear in the last 40 km
The ONCE and US Postal men working hard to stay near the front
Four riders try to stay clear with 9 km to go
Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) was head and shoulders above everyone again
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) looking happier day by day on the podium

Stage 13 - Friday, September 19: Albacete - Albacete, 53.3km ITT

Images by AFP Photo

Bert Grabsch (Phonak) was again a surprise, finishing 4th
Floyd Landis (USPS-Berry Floor) had an excellent ride to finish 12th
Levi Leipheimer (Rabobank) rode well for a top 10 finish
The face of Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano during the time trial
David Millar (Cofidis) in full flight during the TT
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) was very emotional on the podium

Images by Unipublic

Santos Gonzalez (Domina Vacanze) en route to an 8th place in the TT
David Millar (Cofidis) once again set the early best time, and once again it wasn't quite good enough
Claus Moller (Milaneza) rode well to the halfway point, then faded and finished 5th
Alejandro Valverde (Kelme) defended his top 10 GC place well, finishing 13th in the stage
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) did one of his better time trials, losing just 1'45 to Nozal
Manuel Beltran (USPS-Berry Floor) was a little off the pace today, finishing 11th
Francisco Mancebo (iBanesto) lost a little over three and a half minutes today
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) crosses the line in 7th place
Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) was sixth best today, losing over a minute to his teammate Nozal
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) finishes his ride in the winning time of 1:02:03
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) was again in top form today

Images by Hernán Alvarez Macías/Cyclingnews.com

Johan Bruyneel (USPS) the team mastermind

Stage 12 - Thursday, September 18: Cuenca - Albacete, 168.8km

Images by AFP Photo

Trees were scarce during stage 12, and some riders were wishing for more shelter from the crosswinds
The peloton rides across the barren Spanish landscape during stage 12
US Postal-Berry Floor put the hammer down with 50 km to go to split the race open
Both Erik Zabel and Oscar Sevilla made the crucial 27 man split
Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) rides next to Roberto Heras (USPS) during stage 12
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) and Isidro Nozal (ONCE) working hard
Petacchi beats Zabel with his bike throw to win stage 12

Images by Unipublic

The peloton nervous at the beginning of the stage
The early break (R to L): Constantino Zaballa, Miguel Martin Perdiguero, Pedro Diaz Lobato and Paulo Barroso
Dario Frigo (Fassa Bortolo) before the going got tough
Aitor Gonzalez (Fassa Bortolo) chats to a colleague during the early part of the stage
Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) smiles during one of the quieter moments of the stage
Manuel Beltran (USPS) had a better day today, and didn't miss the split
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) and Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano ride in the peloton
The ONCE team up front before the crosswinds hit the peloton
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) had to work hard to stay in front
The peloton broke into several echelons in the final 50 km
Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) narrowly beats Erik Zabel (R) to win stage 12. Aitor Gonzalez (2nd L) found himself in the third group, along with his teamamte Dario Frigo and Kelme's Alejandro Valverde
Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) can't believe how close that sprint was
Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) smiles on the podium after his victory in stage 12

Stage 11 - Wednesday, September 17: Utiel - Cuenca, 162km

Images by AFP Photo

Erik Zabel (Telekom) alert during stage 11
Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) disappointed at being so close to the win
Erik Zabel (Telekom) beats Tom Boonen (L) to win the sprint for stage 11

Images by Unipublic

Isidro Nozal (ONCE) concentrates in the peloton
The pace was intense in the early stages
The break forms from a stretched peloton
The Kelme team drive the peloton along
Kelme at 50 km/h
Santos Gonzalez (Domina Vacanze) powers away on his own
Gonzalez and Etxebarria try to escape
Zabel (R) holds off Boonen to win stage 11
The throw: Zabel just gets it
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) survived another day and strengthened his position

Stage 10 - Monday, September 15: Andorra - Sabadell, 194km

Images by AFP Photo

Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) leads Fabrizio Guidi in the break
Flying along in the Spanish countryside during stage 10
Time for a bite to eat during the 10th stage of the Vuelta
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) rides in the bunch during stage 10
The peloton navigates its way through a tunnel during stage 10
Erik Zabel (Telekom) beats Petacchi and Guidi to win stage 10
Erik Zabel (Telekom) checks behind him after winning stage 10 What the..? I've beaten Petacchi!?!
Erik Zabel (Telekom) on the podium after his win

Images by Unipublic

Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) on the attack
The early break contained nine but was later reduced to six
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) leading the breakaway
Dario Frigo and Mario Aerts helping out their sprinters
ONCE-Eroski following the paceline
Cesar Garcia Calvo (Labarca) drives the late stage break with Kroon and Zberg following
Erik Zabel (Telekom) beats Alessandro Petacchi fair and square
Erik Zabel (Telekom) on the podium with stuffed animal
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) on the podium for another day

Stage 9 - Sunday September 14: Vielha - Envalira (Andorra), 174.8km

Images by AFP Photo

Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) navigates a descent during stage 9
The peloton rides up the final climb of the Port d'Envalira
A brave ride by Jurgen Van Goolen (Quick.Step) on the final climb almost paid off
Aitor Gonzalez (Fassa) is looking stronger each day
Unai Osa (iBanesto) puts an attack into the leading group
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) grits his teeth to hang on
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) attacks, with Michael Rasmussen chasing

Images by Unipublic

The Labarca boys working hard to bring back the break and set Cardenas up
Jan Hruska (ONCE) sets the tempo in the peloton
The peloton catch some of the earlier breakaways
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) was not quite his best on the final climb
Manuel Beltran (USPS-Berry Floor) had another tough day
The pain on Marcos Serrano's (ONCE) race is apparent as he tries to hold the pace of Inigo Cuesta (Cofidis)
Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) suffered on the final climb, but limited the damage to 30 seconds
Alejandro Valverde (Kelme) leads Felix Cardenas on the last climb
Alejandro Valverde (Kelme) raises his arms as he wins the stage
Race leader Isidro Nozal (R) crosses the line a few seconds after Valverde
Alejandro Valverde (Kelme) with a souvenir of his win

Stage 8 - Saturday, September 13: Cauterets - Pla de Beret/Val d'Aran, 166km

Images by AFP Photo

The peloton descends one of the many climbs during stage 8
Richard Virenque (Quick.Step-Davitamon) rides behind Jose Luis Martinez (Paternina) during their fruitless escape
Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) leads a group of four riders in pursuit of the leaders
Dario Frigo (Fassa Bortolo) had another good day to finish with the yellow jersey group
Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) grabs a drink during stage 8
Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) riding comfortably while Manuel Beltran (USPS) suffers behind him
Aitor Osa (iBanesto) leads Joaquin Rodriguez (ONCE) on the final climb

Images by Unipublic

The peloton was not in a great hurry today
The peloton begins to ride harder
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) and Miguel Martin Perdiguero (Domina Vacanze) corner during stage 8
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) not afraid to work for his captain Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano, despite being in the leader's jersey
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) and Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano defend their lead with grim determination
Joaquin Rodriguez (ONCE) was one of the strongest in the break
Aitor Osa (iBanesto) riding hard during the final climb
Joaquin Rodriguez (ONCE) puts his arms in the air as he beats Aitor Osa to win stage 8
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) leads his group home for 13th, 3'50 behind the stage winner
Joaquin Rodriguez (ONCE) on the podium as stage winner

Stage 7 - Friday, September 12: Huesca - Cauterets (France), 190km

Images by AFP Photo

ONCE lead the peloton during stage 7
The peloton rides during the seventh stage in the Pyrenees
The pack ascends into the mist
The peloton navigates through the fog during stage 7
A spectacular Pyrenean backdrop for the riders during stage 7
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) and Luis Perez (Cofidis) on the Aubisque
Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) concentrates hard during stage 7
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) leads Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) on the climb to Cauterets
Manuel Beltran (USPS-Berry Floor) and Luis Perez (Cofidis) ride together on the final climb

Images by Unipublic

Riders were starting to suffer early on in the stage
What a view! At least we can appreciate it
ONCE-Eroski controlling the tempo
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) takes a corner on a descent
A good looking break went on the Aubisque with Perez and Heras in it
Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) and Manuel Beltran (USPS) locked in battle
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) had a great day to hold onto the lead
Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) climbs with Unai Osa (iBanesto) up towards Cauterets
Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) salutes as he crosses the finish line in triumph
Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) shows the strain, shortly after crossing the line
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) gets another kiss on the podium with his fourth day in the leader's jersey

Stage 6 - Thursday, September 11: Zaragoza - Zaragoza, 43.8km ITT

Images by AFP Photo

Isidro Nozal (ONCE) shows the form that won him the time trial
Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) in action during the TT, where he finished 4th
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) suffered today to finish 63rd
Stage winner and gold jersey wearer Isidro Nozal (ONCE) smiles on the podium

Images by AFP Photo

Isidro Nozal (ONCE) shows the effort of his ride
David Millar (Cofidis) was the early leader, but he had no answer for Nozal
Aitor Gonzalez (Fassa Bortolo) did well to finish fifth today
Manuel Beltran (USPS-Berry Floor) rode very well for 6th, to move into 3rd overall
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) had a solid ride to move up to 5th overall
Klaus Moller (Milaneza) rode respectably to finish seventh and move up in GC
Angel Casero (Bianchi) flying along to an eventual 11th place
Alex Zulle (Phonak) rides in the Stage 6 time trial of the Vuelta, where he finished 13th
Carlos Sastre (CSC) powers along during the time trial

Stage 5 - Wednesday, September 10: Soria - Zaragoza, 166.7km

Images by AFP Photo

The peloton race during stage 5 of the Vuelta
US Postal's Manuel Beltran has a word to race leader Isidro Nozal (ONCE)
Roberto Heras (USPS) next to race leader Isidro Nozal (ONCE)
Igor Astarloa (Saeco) drives the four man break towards Zaragoza
ONCE-Eroski riding hard during stage 5
Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) crosses the line in front of Angel Edo (Milaneza) to win stage 5
Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) has won six Giro stages, four Tour stages, and two Vuelta stages so far this year
As he has done so many times this year Alessandro Petacchi salutes the crowd from the podium

Images by Unipublic

Oscar Sevilla and Jose Rubiera catch up at the start of stage 5
Erik Zabel (Telekom) swears that his brakes are rubbing, but the 50 km/h+ tempo may also have something to do with it
The peloton ride during stage 5
Fassa Bortolo working hard for Petacchi
Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) is simply too strong for the rest
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) on the podium as race leader

Stage 4 - Tuesday, September 9: Santander - Burgos, 151km

Images by AFP Photo

The peloton rides during the fourth stage of the Vuelta
Richard Virenque (Quick.Step) at the front of the peloton during stage 4
Alex Zulle (Phonak) looks for his team car
Michael Barry and George Hincapie (USPS-Berry Floor) lead the peloton during stage 4
Unai Etxebarria (Euskaltel) rides in the breakaway
Unai Etxebarria (Euskaltel) in action during stage 4
Unai Etxebarria (Euskaltel) goes solo for the final 15 kilometres
Unai Etxebarria (Euskaltel) crosses the line in Burgos in triumph
Unai Etxebarria (Euskaltel) delighted with his victory
New leader Isidro Nozal (ONCE) hefts his trophy

Images by Unipublic

Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) rides comfortably along in the points jersey in stage 4
The peloton encountered a little rain during stage 4, but for the most part it was dry
Roberto Heras (USPS-Berry Floor) concentrates during stage 4
Fabian Jeker (Milaneza-MSS) drives the break along
Unai Etxebarria (Euskaltel) raises his arms as he wins stage 4
Isidro Nozal (ONCE) now has the leader's jersey and a trophy

Stage 3 - Monday, September 8: Cangas de Onis - Santander, 154.3km

Images by Unipublic

Santi Blanco (Relax) at the start, with injured cheek
Richard Virenque (Quick.Step) looks enthused at the prospect of racing 154 km in the rain
ONCE does its job while the others follow
A brief moment of sun for the riders
Alesandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) beat Erik Zabel (Telekom, L) and Tom Boonen (Quick.Step, R) to win stage 3

Images by AFP Photo

Roberto Heras (USPS) relishing the conditions of stage 3
David Millar (Cofidis) looking about as comfortable as the rest of the bunch
Oscar Sevilla (C) chats to a teammate during stage 3
Richard Virenque (Quick.Step) looking very enthusiastic now
The peloton flying along in the rain during stage 3
Alesandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) nestled in the comfort of the Fassa Bortolo lead out train
Alesandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) had time to check. "Yep, I've won."
Alesandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) holds his arms up after winning
Alesandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) on the podium after winning stage 3

Stage 2 - Sunday, September 7: Gijon - Cangas de Onis, 148 km

Images by AFP Photo

Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) and Roberto Heras (USPS) ride during stage 2
Roberto Heras (USPS) leads Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) in stage 2
Francisco Mancebo and Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano suffer a little during stage 2
Race leader Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) rides in front of Jorg Jaksche during stage 2
Luis Perez (Cofidis) comfortably beat Sastre in the sprint
A delighted Luis Perez (Cofidis) crosses the line in triumph
An Asturian hat for Luis Perez as the winner of the stage
Carlos Sastre (CSC) leads Luis Perez (Cofidis) on the Alto Mirador, as they drop their breakaway companions
Joaquin Rodriguez (ONCE) the new leader of the Vuelta

Images by Unipublic

Luis Perez (Cofidis) and Carlos Sastre (CSC) ride away from their breakaway companions on the final climb
Luis Perez (Cofidis) crosses the line to win
Luis Perez (Cofidis) on the podium after winning stage 2
Joaquin Rodriguez (ONCE) happy to be on top of the standings

Stage 1 - Saturday, September 6: Gijon - Gijon, 28 km TTT

Images by Hernán Alvarez Macías/Cyclingnews.com

Mario Cipollini (Domina Vacanze) warms up before the start of stage 1
Oscar Sevilla (Kelme) in warm up mode
Jose Antonio Pecharroman (Paternina) signs an autograph or two
iBanesto.com prepares to start, the first team off the ramp

Images by AFP Photo

The ONCE-Eroski team in full flight
Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) in action during stage 1
Floyd Landis powers the US Postal train, with Roberto Heras in second wheel
iBanesto.com were the early leaders in the stage
Tom Boonen hammers on the front of the Quick.Step train
Fred Rodriguez leads the Saunier Duval-Vini Caldirola team in stage 1
First leader Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) raises his arms on the podium
Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (ONCE) with his stage 1 trophy
ONCE-Eroski salute from the podium as the winners of the opening stage